Arts & Entertainment
What to Do in Berkeley: Weekend Events Calendar Aug. 26-28
BAM/PFA's 'Open Restaurant' to celebrate Chez Panisse's 40th is completely full, but there's much, much more on offer this weekend, much of it low-cost or free.
When: Thursday, Aug. 25, 7 p.m.
Where: , 2626 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, FREE
Why go: A film this big, this bad, this B, deserves a big surface to be screened on, and the exterior facade of the University Art Museum fits the bill. If you're a Cal student, you'll even get free pizza and a poster.
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When: Thurs.-Sat. through Oct. 1, 8 p.m.
Where: , 1834 Euclid Ave., Berkeley; $17/$15
Find out what's happening in Berkeleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Why go: Cameron McNary's funny and poignant play, making its West Coast premiere, follows a group of 30-something Dungeons & Dragons players, and what happens when one of them enlists to go to Iraq.
When: Friday, August 26, 7 p.m.
Where: , 3090 Claremont Ave, Berkeley, FREE
Why go: The mother of women's comics reintroduces us to the woman artist she considers iconic -- Tarpe Mills, 1940s artist and writer of "Miss Fury," the first female comic superhero.
When: Gala opening Friday, Aug. 26, 5 p.m.
Where: Jimmie Gallery, 744 Folger Ave., Berkeley, FREE
Why go: The five artists of Jimmie have filled their gallery space with art entirely made of beer containers or inspired by beer.
When: Through Aug. 31, Mon-Fri, 7 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat-Sun, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Where: , 2131 Durant Ave., Berkeley, FREE
Why go: Blocked cellphone service? Puh-leeze. John Jekabson and his camera were there when then-Gov. Ronald Reagan set gun-toting, tear gas-throwing National Guard troops on fellow Californians who happened to disagree with him on what to do with People's Park. Photos are for sale.
When: Friday, August 26, 6:30 p.m.
Where: , 3124 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, FREE
Why go: The lovable anarchists behind screen Katsuhito Ishii's loopy Japanese sci-fi epic of three nebbishy brothers who free-associate a world in which they may finally become popular with girls.
When: Friday, August 26, 7:30 p.m.
Where: , 2904 College Ave, Berkeley, FREE
Why go: Law professor 's reading from her biography of the state's first female attorney, who argued cases before women even won the right to vote, will get you in the frame of mind for this fall's
When: Saturday, Aug. 27, 8 a.m.
Where: 2344 Sixth St., Berkeley, FREE
Why go: This multi-donor sale benefits 's several clinics serving low-income, disabled and elderly patients. Free cotton candy and popcorn while you shop. Bring those secret but unwanted papers: Document shredding for $10 will also benefit the cause.
When: Saturday, August 27, all day
Where: , 2530 San Pablo Ave.; , 2020 Addison St.; 2129 Shattuck Ave. (at Center Street); FREE
Why go: The biggest day of the 10-day MusicFest begins at 10 a.m., when performers ranging from Blakey's Beat to the Berkeley Symphony Brass Quintet serenade you while you shop. From noon to 4 p.m., the action moves to F&S's , while Laura Weinbach and her folk/classical Foxtails Brigade perform at 2129 Shattuck at 6 p.m. It's all free.
When: Sunday, August 28, 10 a.m.-noon
Where: , 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley, $20
Why go: This kid-friendly walk covers newts, birds, butterflies, frogs, lizards, foxes, snakes and more as families hone their skills of observation and learn how plants and animals live together. Fee includes a light breakfast and a copy of the Illustrated Guide to the Common Animals of the East Bay Hills. Registration required.
When: Sunday, August 28, 11 a.m.
Where: 2107 Dwight Way, Berkeley, FREE
Why go: Drs. Earl and Janet Creps of 'Church In A Bag' upscale to a real building in this, their first Sunday at Dwight and Shattuck. With this big step comes the make-or-break pastoral decision of deciding on an official church coffee. Congregants will vote on several varieties of Berkeley brew this weekend as 360church forges onward.
When: Sunday, August 28, noon
Where: Humanist Hall, 390 27th St, Oakland, FREE
Why go: It's a bake sale and clothing swap/rummage sale for unashamed Fat-Americans and those who love them. Gooey treats help keep that all-important BMI topped up.
When: Sunday, August 28, 11:30 a.m.
Where: A private home in Berkeley, details on registration; $10-$40 sliding scale
Why go: Former Berkeley City College instructor Clifford Schwartz devised a novel and surprisingly effective way to teach and enjoy Shakespeare: DIY readings with an orderly system of sharing speaking parts, and without lots of critical exegesis or fuss over which edition is best.
